Winters at Brown

Hi all, so I live in California, where I only really experience one warm season all-year round(as a matter of factI haven’t even seen snow in more than four years). What are the winters like in Providence? Is the weather bearable? Is going to school with snow outside fun? Thanks!

Hey!! I’m from California too and am a Brown ED applicant. I’ve spent winters in Boston and Providence, and the weather isn’t that bad as long as you’re dressed for the occasion. It will take some time to adjust, but don’t take Brown off your list because of the weather in Providence.

First I’ll say that tens of thousands of Californians manage winter in New England every school year, so yes, it’s doable. You will need different clothing. It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s snowy. Some people love it and some people hate it.

Some winters are worse than others. Last winter was very mild with little snow. The winter before that was long, bitter and extremely snowy. Providence is close to the ocean and that moderates the weather a bit, although the humidity makes the cold seem colder.

When it snows, Brown students have snowball fights, go sledding and make snow sculptures. The hours after a snowfall are beautiful - white icing everywhere, a peaceful silence. does that appeal to you?

No earthquakes, no drought, no water rationing in Providence.

One of my daughter’s (class of '16) close friends is from LA and she LOVES the winters here. Go figure.

“Providence, Rhode Island: Where it rains 2 days out of 3 except during the rainy season when it snows like a B, and Friendship is a one way street. Rich folks live on Power street, but most of us live off Hope.”